(Sold) This is a 1946 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major fountain pen in Emerald Pearl celluloid, with a 14k gold Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a thorough cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). This is a full-size pen, measuring around 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen, Emerald Pearl, F, uncapped

Most fountain pen enthusiasts, even those who do not currently own a vintage pen, would agree that the Parker Vacumatic is utterly beautiful. Most people are also aware of its ingenious, high-capacity filling mechanism. However, fewer people are aware of the pen's incredible writing performance. Quite simply, the Vacumatic is one of the best writers ever made. There, I said it.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen, Emerald Pearl, F, nib profile

What is it exactly that makes the Vacumatic such an awesome performer? As with most things, it's a combination of factors, including its superb ergonomics, the ink delivery system, and, of course, the nib. Made of 14k gold, the nib might look like modern nibs by the likes of Pelikan, Montblanc, Bock, etc., but the similarities are superficial only. The nib has a continuously varying thickness, which combined with the properties of the alloy (developed by annealing, tempering, and hammering) gives the nib incredible elasticity and vibration dampening ability.

As the nib moves across the surface of the paper, it begins to vibrate. These vibrations, let's call them "paper buzz," are experienced as "roughness" or "toothiness." Modern pen makers try to minimize these unwanted sensations by polishing the writing surface (the tipping material) to an extreme degree. While that might give the user a momentary sensation of smoothness, it also compromises the nib's writing ability, reducing friction and impeding capillary flow. Parker's solution to the "paper buzz" problem was radically different, and it involved engineering a vibration dampening mechanism into the nib, but, crucially, without overpolishing the writing surface. The result is a nib that writes consistently at the lightest touch, feels smooth, including rapid upstrokes and cross-strokes, and will give you a hint of line variation if called upon to do so. It's really is a genius piece of writing technology!

The pen's in excellent condition, without any flaws or defects, with gorgeous, gleaming celluloid of incredible depth and vibrancy. The gold-filled trim is in equally great shape. A beautiful specimen!

(Sold) This is a c. 1942 Sheaffer Triumph Vac fountain pen and mechanical pencil set in striated Golden Brown celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold, two-tone Triumph Lifetime XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, nib tuning, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth. I work according to current best practices in pen restoration, and I use the highest quality replacement materials.

In my opinion, Sheaffer's Triumph gold point was the Iowa company's greatest achievement. It was a significant departure from anything that had come before. An entirely new, self-contained, efficient, reliable system for delivering ink on paper. Today, we use fountain pens for fun, but back in the 1940s, they were indispensable tools, used all day, every day in all kinds of environments. A conventional fountain pen's Achilles heel was its somewhat unreliable, wet flow, which often caused problems, particularly on ordinary office paper. Such pens were also notorious for variability in performance as a function of grip, writing pressure, holding angle, even atmospheric conditions. Pen companies embarked on the pursuit of the Holy Grail of writing instruments, a pen that's as comfortable as it is reliable, as forgiving as it is precise, and as functional as it is beautiful. Both Parker and Sheaffer designed their ultimate pens, though they took entirely different approaches. For Parker, it was the 51, for Sheaffer, the Triumph vacuum filler.

The pen I'm offering today is a fantastic specimen of this wartime model. Made of the gleaming, shimmering, semi-transparent Golden Brown celluloid, with impeccable gold-filled trim, this is a gorgeous pen. It's a full-size pen, measuring around 5.1" capped and 0.45" in diameter, very comfortable to hold, posted or not. The pen fills efficiently, holding a lot of ink (up to 1.7 ml using the two-stroke method). The nib delivers a steady, yet controlled flow of ink, laying down a consistent line of about 0.4 mm (on my paper). It's smooth without compromising its writing ability, and it's capable of writing rapid strokes in virtually all directions (including curves). Unlike conventional nibs, the Triumph resists drying out, even if left uncapped for a while. The nib's incredibly forgiving of your grip and writing pressure. It has that awesome willingness, such a resolute, paper-grabbing, line drawing ability, with every stroke, the nib just wants to go forward, as if attacking the page, providing a direct conduit to your thoughts. The geometry of the Triumph nib (with the characteristic upturned tip) is the continuation of everything Sheaffer had learned in their famous R&D labs, and a brilliant achievement of design and engineering. And, the best part is, now this pen and pencil set can be yours!

(Sold) This is a mid-1940s White Dot Sheaffer Triumph Statesman Vac Tuckaway fountain pen in Black, with a 14k gold Triumph Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures around 4.5" capped, 5.2" posted, and 0.45" in diameter. It writes a line of 0.4 mm (on my paper) and holds 0.6 ml of ink.

So many of us use fountain pens on the go. Whether it's at work, school, a coffee shop, a sturdy, dependable pocket pen is a must. Today, a handful of pen brands make such pens, including the TWSBI Mini and Kaweco Sport, both extremely popular models. If you like these pens, you're going to love the Sheaffer Tuckaway.

Sheaffer Triumph Statesman Tuckaway Fountain Pen, F, nib close-up

A compact pen when capped, the Tuckaway converts into a full-size pen when posted, measuring 5.2 inches, right in the vicinity of large modern pens, such as Pelikan M800 and Aurora Optima (unposted). The Sheaffer writes a fantastically smooth, reliable line of about 0.4 mm (on my paper), delivering confident strokes in virtually all directions, without impeding its writing ability. A gold point that's extremely forgiving of angle, rotation, grip, and writing pressure, the Tuckaway will write on all kinds of paper, including small, thick notebooks that don't lie perfectly flat. The vacuum filling mechanism is a lot of fun to use and holds a respectable 0.6 ml of ink (using a one-stroke method), possibly more if you are not intimidated by the two-stroke method (practice first with plain water!). And the pen's very affordable!

(Sold) This is a 1940s Blue Diamond Parker "Striped" Duofold Ingenue Fountain Pen with a Vacumatic filling mechanism, in Blue Pearl celluloid, with a 14k gold Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with soft cloth. The pen measures 4.8" capped and 0.43" in diameter.

Which modern fountain pen would you call "cute?" There are lots of plain pens, elegant pens, classy pens, luxurious pens, beautiful pens, but cute? I am sure you all can think of a lot of cute pens, but I'm finding the question difficult and a Google search isn't helping, either. However, if I am allowed to include vintage pens, it would have to be the Parker "Striped" Duofold Ingenue.

Marketed towards women, the flagship Ingenue is a dainty pen that looks like a piece of jewelry rather than a writing instrument. Parker claimed that, in various opinion polls, "Lead and other pen," which was particularly true of the Duofold line. The gorgeous celluloid explodes in a rainbow of colors, vibrant and bright, resembling a Medieval stained glass window, including barrel transparency. The stylish gold-filled trim offers a bit of luxury, class, while adding some warmth to the dominant cooler tones of the Blue Pearl celluloid.

Today, marketing a "lady" pen would be risky, and calling it "Ingenue" might even be perceived as offensive, yet this pen is clearly made for a smaller hand. I can think of many scenarios where having this pen would be awesome, ranging from formal business meetings to solitary long writing sessions at your favorite coffee shop. And, with the holidays approaching, it would make a fantastic gift to usher a friend or family member into the exciting world of fountain pens. But most of all, this is one of the cutest pens I've ever seen, and that means a lot to me! How can you NOT be tempted add it to your collection?

The pen writes a consistent line of about 0.4 mm, and it most likely sold as a Fine. The 1940s Duofold nibs are not the most exciting gold points ever made, but they are responsive, reliable, almost business-like. This particular nib is no exception. It writes at the lightest pressure, but will take a heavy hand in stride, dampening paper vibrations with ease and providing that highly coveted gliding sensation as it moves across the paper.

The pen is in great shape! There are no defects or flaws. The material is beautiful, as is the gold-filled trim. The imprint is a bit faded, but visible clearly. The filling mechanism works easily, efficiently, and holds a lot of ink. You should be able to use most conventional inks currently available, just remember never to let ink dry up inside the pen. If you're going to put the pen away for a few weeks, just flush it with water a couple of times.

(Sold) This is a 1942 Parker Vacumatic Major fountain pen is Azure Pearl celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth. The pen measures about 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen, Azure Pearl, XF, uncapped

The year 1942 was pivotal for the U.S. fountain pen industry. As the country entered the war, the pen companies were faced with significant difficulties, including severe material and labor shortages, and yet, both Parker and Sheaffer, were able not only to withstand the crisis, but also found a way to flourish, bringing us such awesome writing instruments as the Sheaffer Triumph and the Parker Vacumatic.

The pen I'm offering today was made during the first year of Parker's shift toward the new "plastic" variant of the venerable vacuum filling mechanism, along a few minor design changes. The pen is in fantastic condition, without any flaws or defects, with gorgeous, vibrant celluloid, excellent barrel transparency (the warm tones you see in the photos), and excellent gold-filled trim. Quite simply, a fantastic pen! With the holiday season fast approaching, this would be a superb gift for a family member, a friend, or even yourself.

The star of the show is the 14k gold nib. It's ground to write an XF line (about 0.3 mm on my paper) that is confident, self-assured, brimming with optimism. It's the kind of line that brings a smile to your face every time you write. You see the ink being deposited on the page in a perfect monoline, with a light touch, and a hint of line variation, if you press harder. A fantastically responsive nib, it will conform to your handwriting style, following your rapid strokes without question or hesitation. The nib has a great ability to dampen paper vibrations, which gives you that most coveted sensation of smoothness, yet without disconnecting you from the page, your writing, and your thoughts. The nib's genius is, partly, in its varying material thickness, to further optimize performance. It was made in a painstaking process, now mostly lost to us, in which writing performance was the absolute priority. If you're a fan of Japanese gold nibs, you're going to love this Vac, quite possibly wanting to add more than one to your collection.

(On Hold) This is a 1950s Sheaffer Snorkel Admiral Fountain Pen and Pencil set in the original box, in Black, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XXF (needlepoint) nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth. The pencil has been restored to proper functionality. It takes standard 0.9 mm refills.

Sheaffer Snorkel Admiral Fountain Pen and Pencil Set, XXF, uncapped

To most fountain pen enthusiasts, the name "Snorkel" evokes this incredibly sophisticated, somewhat obscure filling mechanism, and an altogether odd pen. While that might be true, the pen's most important feature, its incredible writing performance, is often overlooked. Whether it's the Triumph or the conventional open nib, the Snorkel can write! The pen I'm offering today comes with a fantastic XXF (needlepoint) nib that writes a consistent monoline of about 0.2 mm (on my paper) in virtually all directions, without ever catching the paper or feeling scratchy.

If you love writing small, if you write a business cursive, or if you simply need a great office pen to perform very well on all kinds of unfriendly paper, this pen will be a great fit for you. And, if you need to use a great mechanical pencil, it's right there, in the same box.

There's one detail that I must disclose. The set came to me from the original owner, who had the cap replaced at some point. The cap appears to be from the Triumph model, which makes no difference other than the presence of the White Dot. Otherwise, the set is in excellent condition.

(Sold) This is a c. 1942 White Dot Sheaffer Triumph Valiant Oversize ("1250") fountain pen in striated Golden Brown celluloid, gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold, two-tone Lifetime Triumph XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a thorough cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth. The pencil has also been restored to full functionality, except the eraser is used up. The pen measures about 5.2" capped and 0.49" in diameter.

Sheaffer's advertising slogan, "This is the time to write," fits the Valiant I'm offering today perfectly! This is, truly, the kind of pen that just wants you to write with it and rewards you, each and every time, with incredibly satisfying, dependable performance. A large pen, the Valiant fits your hand like a glove, posted or not, and gives you that highly desirable cushioned ride across the paper. The nib is firm and has an XF point (about 0.3 mm on my paper), yet avoids feeling toothy, much like a lot of modern nibs of equal width do. That's thanks to the Iowa company's ingenious "rocker" design of the Triumph nib. It's a nib that doesn't have to be overpolished to feel smooth, and, as a result, never falters, never skips, or starves for ink.

This is a somewhat rare model with a matching striated section and a transparent barrel, which also serves as an ink reservoir. This is preferred by collectors over the later model, which comes with a black section and a plastic inner sleeve, a sort of cartridge for storing ink inside the pen. The pen is made of the beautiful, striated celluloid that explodes into a multitude of shimmering tones, with incredible depth and chatoyancy. It's also very vibrant, with a deep, rich, gleaming dominant browns. The vacuum filing mechanism has been completely rebuilt, works efficiently, and holds up to 1.8 ml of ink (using the two-stroke method). There are no flaws or defects, either in the material or gold-filled trim, and the imprint is crisp. A fantastic specimen of Sheaffer's wartime flagship pen.

(Sold) This is a 1944 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major fountain pen in Azure Pearl celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures about 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen Azure Pearl, XF, uncapped

If you have been in the fountain pen hobby for a few years, you, do doubt, have acquired a few awesome pens, such as a Lamy Safari, TWSBI Diamond 580, Pilot Custom 74, Platinum #3776, etc. Now, you're probably wondering if you should upgrade to a truly spectacular pen, such as an Aurora Optima, Pelikan M800, Montblanc LeGrand, etc. You're probably wanting to experience that superb feel in the hand, that amazing writing experience that takes your breath away, and, of course, you want a pen that's utterly beautiful. So what's stopping you? I think for most of us, it is the price. The cost of owning a spectacular "luxury" fountain pen is prohibitively high. If only you could be sure that the pen will, indeed, knock your socks off, that it will write perfectly out-of-the-box. You've probably read mixed reviews, and you're just not wanting to take the chance. Some people prefer to buy from a nib meister, who tunes each pen before sending it out, but that, typically adds extra cost. May I offer you an alternative, a restored, beautiful Parker Vacumatic that has been tuned, adjusted, thoroughly tested, and is guaranteed to write as well as Parker intended.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen Azure Pearl, XF, nib close-up

The phrase I wrote comes from a Parker Vacumatic advertisement, and, I hope you agree, it's not difficult to imagine how otherworldly the Vac must have seemed to prospective Parker customers. With such a graceful, handsome, gorgeous design, a superb, partially transparent Azure Pearl celluloid, the high-capacity advanced filling mechanism, and the writing performance to match, this was, and continues to be, an unimaginably amazing writing instrument. And yet, it's real, can be enjoyed today, and is available for a lot less than a modern Italian or German top-tier pen.

The pen writes a super confident, consistent XF line of about 0.3 mm (on my paper) with a light touch. It writes excellent rapid strokes in virtually all directions without ever feeling toothy or catching the paper. It's incredibly effective as a shock absorbing mechanism, so that your writing experience feels like a cushioned ride in a luxury sedan, yet without being disconnected from the paper. It's a sensation that has to be experienced to understand. It's just such a fantastic writer. And if you decide to push it harder, it will respond with a hint of line variation, giving you that awesome, joyful feeling and adding character to your handwriting.

Cosmetically, the pen is simply beautiful, without any flaws or defects. The material has such depth, such vibrancy, such chatoyancy. It shimmers, as if alive, yet it has retained quite a bit of transparency so it also fulfills a utilitarian purpose, allowing you to gauge remaining ink level with ease.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen Azure Pearl, XF, capped

The pen is priced at $189. Please, contact me if you're interested in ordering it. Shipping fees are listed on this page. Thanks!

(Sold) This is a 1942 White Dot Sheaffer Triumph Vac fountain pen in striated Golden Brown celluloid, with a 14k gold, two-tone Triumph Lifetime Medium nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a thorough cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). This is a full-size pen, measuring 5.1" capped and 0.46" in diameter.

"Here's a product utterly new, far ahead of anything in the field, and yet it includes many of the basic fundamentals that were engineered by us from the very beginning." This quote, and the one I wrote by hand, both come from Sheaffer's Chairman's remarks made around 1942. Sheaffer's Triumph point was a huge departure from "conventional" fountain pen designs, a pen so sophisticated, so brilliant in its design and craftsmanship quality, that it created a major shift (today, we'd call it a disruption) in the U.S. fountain pen industry.

Sheaffer Triumph Vac Fountain Pen, Golden Brown, M, nib profile

Sheaffer didn't just design another fountain pen, they engineered a writing machine, a self-contained system for delivering ink onto paper. We are fortunate that we can still enjoy these pens today, as many of them survived in storage, and, if restored well, they can be incredibly dependable and enjoyable writing instruments rivaling even the most expensive modern European and Japanese fine pens.

Sheaffer Triumph Vac Fountain Pen, Golden Brown, M, nib close-up

The pen I am offering today is a great specimen of the Triumph Vac-filler. It's got the Iowa company's wartime DNA, including the gorgeous striated Golden Brown celluloid, the efficient, high-capacity vacuum filling mechanism, and, of course, the Triumph gold point. The pen is in excellent condition, without any flaws or defects. Barrel transparency is excellent, as is the gold-filled trim. A gorgeous pen!

The pen comes with a rare Medium nib. Such nibs weren't very popular back in the 1940s, as the ubiquitous business cursive required a very fine point. This pen was likely special-ordered to be used as a dedicated signature pen. Since handwriting has changed rather dramatically over the past few decades, broader nibs are much more practical, and so here's a rare chance for you to own a gorgeous vintage pen with a Medium nib (about 0.6 mm on my paper).

The nib writes a supremely smooth, confident line, as if developing a connection to the page, and, hence to your thoughts, getting out of the way of your writing, providing a cushioned, gliding movement, expertly dampening vibrations along the way. And if you need a finer line, simply flip the nib upside down. It was designed to be able to write this way, too.

(Sold) This is a 1944 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major in Golden Pearl celluloid, gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XXF (needlepoint) nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures about 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

The quote I wrote comes from a Parker wartime advertisement, showing a mother with a daughter, looking at a photograph of their husband/father in a U.S. Army officer's uniform. Today, such an ad would probably face a lot of criticism, but, regardless, one must appreciate the fact that the Vacumatic was designed to be a daily "workhorse" kind of pen to be used in all kinds of environments, including out in the field, at sea, and in the air, and it proved to be a reliable tool for tens of thousands of American servicemen.

What makes the Vacumatic such a good daily writer? Bearing the Blue Diamond lifetime warranty, the pen was designed from ground up to be a tough, dependable writing instrument. I've restored countless Vacs, and I rarely come across any cracks or material malformations. The celluloid of which the pens were made, is of the highest quality, stable, suitable for machining, resilient against environmental challenges, and, most importantly, drop-dead gorgeous. The filling mechanism, despite having some plastic parts, is equally dependable as the pen's body. It's an ingenious mechanism, and it has definitely stood the test of time. I must point out, though, that the pen is meant for heavy daily use, rather than for frequent ink changes and sporadic, quick note type of scenarios. Finally, the 14k gold nib. Though it's not as huge and thick as its competition (e.g., Sheaffer's Lifetime), it's, nevertheless, a reliable gold point, with just the right amount of tipping material, and of excellent geometry.

In the hand, the Vacumatic is supremely comfortable, it becomes an extension of your hand, and, hence, your thoughts. Writing with the Vac is such a pleasant experience. It's so effortless, gliding across the page, as if hovering above it.

This particular nib is a rare needlepoint, writing a line of about 0.2 mm (on my paper) with light pressure. Despite being very fine, it's also incredibly smooth, writing confident rapid strokes in virtually all directions, without feeling scratchy or catching the paper. Today, if you want a needlepoint nib, your only option is a custom grind. Yes, you can buy a Japanese XXF nib, but such nibs are designed to be used primarily with Japanese handwriting where short, downward strokes are required. If you have small handwriting, if you need to write a lot on poor-quality paper, or if you write a business cursive (e.g., Spencerian penmanship, Palmer Method, etc.), this nib is likely to become one of your top performers.

Cosmetically, the pen is in great shape! There are no defects or flaws, just very minor surface wear, difficult to see with the naked eye. The gold-filled trim is in equally great condition. The imprint is strong.

(Sold) This is a 1945 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major in Azure Pearl celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures about 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

The Parker Vacumatic I'm offering today is everything I want in a fountain pen. It all starts with the design. It's a handsome, graceful, streamlined shape with superb ergonomics, posted or not. Next, the material, in this case, the gorgeous, highly coveted Azure Pearl celluloid, which has incredible depth, vibrancy, and excellent barrel transparency. The gold-filled trim is elegant, sparse, and adds a touch of luxury. The vacuum filling mechanism goes beyond today's ubiquitous C/C filler, and provides a large-capacity system that is as simple as it is efficient, a writer's dream. Finally, the nib and feed. One of the best such units ever made. No, it's not as technologically advanced as Sheaffer's Triumph, but it has amazing ink flow latitude, allowing a broad variety of tunings, to satisfy even the most discerning writer.

The pen is awesome, yes, but it is the nib that steals the show. It's a beautifully made 14k gold nib, with ample tipping material, of perfect geometry. The incredible property of this nib is its ability to provide a smooth, cushioned ride, without compromising writing ability. While a lot of modern gold nibs are optimized for smoothness, their overly polished writing surface is prone to develop flow issues, particularly hard-starts. Parker came up with just the right kind of tipping geometry for the Vacumatic nib. It's a nib that never falters, never skips, never starves for ink. If you write with a light touch, it will give you a superb, consistent monoline. If you press harder, it will reward you with a hint of line variation, and will instantly add character to your handwriting. You put it away for a few minutes uncapped, no problem, it will start back up the instant you put it to paper. The oversize ebonite feed, with its broad ink and air exchange channels, does a great job buffering ink and regulating its flow, delivering just the right amount of ink to the nib's point, responding to your most subtle variations in pressure, angle, and rotation. With light pressure, the pen writes an XF line of about 0.3 mm, but will open up nicely with increased pressure, giving you an almost semi-flexible character.

The pen is in excellent overall condition, without any flaws or defects, with gorgeous color and very nice barrel transparency. The gold-filled trim is in equally great shape. The imprint is strong.

(SOLD) This is a 1946 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major in Golden Pearl celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand, without chemicals). The pen measures about 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

When I work on vintage fountain pens or write with them, I seem to experience the world as a better place. A place that it could be. I feel the same way about the pen community, which is an enclave of sanity for me, a place that's peaceful, welcoming, full of tolerance and optimism. A place full of fantastic people who find utter joy in the simple act of handwriting. A place where "all the doors are red." I am very thankful for being a part of it.

Parker Vacumatic Major, Golden Pearl, F, nib close-up

Today, I have a pen that epitomizes my love of fountain pens. It's a Parker Vacumatic Major in Golden Pearl celluloid. To me, it's one of the most beautiful pens ever made. The shape is so simple, streamlined, graceful, and yet so comfortable to hold. The lines are gentle, flowing, undisturbed by a filling contraption; the blind cap flawlessly incorporated into the barrel . The section is slightly tapered, with a gentle lip, and supremely ergonomic. Posted or not, the Vacumatic remains well-balanced, feeling like an extension of my hand. The gold-filled trim is subtle, distinguished, but without overpowering the gorgeous, shimmering, gleaming celluloid.

The nib writes a confident Fine line of about 0.4 mm (on my paper) with a pleasant amount of "spring." It's tuned to write at the lightest touch, which I strongly believe is crucial to a satisfying writing performance. The nib starts writing the instant you put it to paper. It seems to develop an relationship, a physical and emotional bond with the paper, a mechanism that provides a seamless transition between your thoughts and the page. There's no more barrier between you and your writing, no excuse for not picking up the pen. And when you start writing, the world becomes a better place and "all the doors are red."

The pen is in fantastic condition, without any flaws or defects, with a gorgeous, vibrant celluloid, excellent barrel transparency, and great gold-filled trim. The filling mechanism works efficiently and holds a lot of ink. The imprint is slightly faded, but still crisp. If you wish to buy this pen as a present, please, let me know and I will include a gift box with the pen. Thanks!

(SOLD) This is a 1946 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major fountain pen in Black celluloid, with gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth.

My ultimate goal in restoring vintage fountain pens is for my customers to enjoy writing with them. I, therefore, carefully select suitable candidates from among fountain pens made between the early 1930s and the late 1950s by the four major U.S. brands, as I believe most of the models made in that era can be fantastic daily performers, even for the discerning writer.

To me, writing with a restored vintage fountain pen is all about the joy it brings me. The pen I am offering today is a great example of such a pen, yet it is also quite affordable. Because it has a small blemish on the cap and the imprint is a bit faded, the pen's available at a 25% discount, which makes it one of the most affordable Vacumatics today. I am guessing the pen will sell quickly, so if you're interested in ordering it, please do not delay and contact me as soon as you can.

Parker Vacumatic Major Fountain Pen, Black, F, nib tune-up

If you like pens that write a conservative, dry line for use on poor-quality office paper, this pen is not for you. However, if you enjoy soft, gold nibs that dampen vibrations, joyfully grab onto the surface of the paper, and lay down a juicy, enjoyable line, look no further. The nib is tuned to write wet, which means that it will help bring out the color depth, saturation, shading, and even sheen out of your most beautiful inks. If you use it on great paper, such as Tomoe River, the ink is likely to pool slightly, giving you that luscious, velvety smooth look that you, no doubt, have seen in the awesome work by @gourmetpens , @attilasultis , and @catharinemisook (among others). Such a line is the reason why I, and many other pen fans, reach for the vintage fountain pen, as modern pens are, typically, tuned to write with quite a bit more restraint. This pen, however, is anything but shy. It brims with self-confidence and will take your creative, characterful handwriting in stride, giving it the flair it is capable of and deserves.

(SOLD) This is a 1949 full-size Parker 51 Aerometric fountain pen in Teal Blue, with a gold-filled cap, and a 14k gold Broad nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand).

Parker 51 Aerometric, Teal Blue, B, uncapped

I am often asked to recommend a vintage pen for a new fountain pen enthusiast. Say, you've tried a Lamy Safari, a TWSBI Vac700, perhaps even a Pilot Custom 74, and you've swallowed the bug. There are a few vintage models that can be excellent "first vintage" pens, but the Parker 51 Aerometric is probably the safest bet. No, it is not made of a colorful, intricately patterned, modern acrylic, but it's everything else you want in a fountain pen.

Parker 51 Aerometric, Teal Blue, B, nib close-up

Let's start with the nib. Most Parker 51s came with a Fine nib. This particular nib, however, is a Broad, a truly rare model! It lays down a juicy line of about 0.7 mm (on my paper), with a slight stub-like quality. It's dependable and brimming with self-confidence. A firm nib, but feeling soft on paper, thanks to its excellent shock-absorbing properties. It's a perfect nib for a beginner due to its forgiving nature. Yes, it will let you get away with all kinds of quirks of your grip, angle, rotation, and writing pressure. A nib that's ready to write, whenever you command it to. And, it looks as good as new, with ample tipping material, of perfect geometry.

The pen has superb ergonomics thanks to the long, streamlined shape, with a comfortable, step-less section, and excellent balance, posted or not. The filling mechanism has just been completely overhauled and will last for decades without having to be serviced. It's easy to use, efficient, and holds a lot of ink. Finally, the appearance. Again, unless you must have a super colorful bespoke acrylic pen, the 51 is a handsome beast. It's somewhat toned-down, classy appearance makes it a great office writer. It will look stylish, but without drawing unwanted attention. The little bit of gold-filled "bling" is actually very tastefully done and adds quite a bit of character to the pen.

The pen is in fantastic condition, without any flaws or defects. One interesting bit about the barrel is that the date imprint is missing. It was uncommon but some P51s did come without a date imprint. It's just an interesting detail, and I thought I'd mention it.

(Sold) This is a 1945 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major in Golden Pearl celluloid, with a transparent barrel, gold-filled trim, and a 14k gold XF Semi-Flex nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures 5.1" capped and 0.48" in diameter.

In 1945, the U.S. fountain pen industry was thriving, despite a severe economic crisis, including material and labor shortages. Parker continued making its highly-successful Blue Diamond Vacumatic pens, perfecting their design and manufacturing process. The pen I'm offering today is a great example of the model, made out of the gorgeous Golden Pearl celluloid, with an awesome 14k gold XF semi-flexible nib. The pen looks virtually as good as new. The shimmering, gleaming celluloid has incredible depth and vibrancy. The gold-filled trim is in equally great shape. Barrel transparency is so good, it looks as though the pen had never been filled. The imprint is strong. And the nib, oh the nib!

Despite some obvious similarities, each pen I restore is unique. I select from among vintage pens that can, potentially, make excellent daily writers, even for people who are new to the fountain pen hobby. Sometimes, I come across a pen that's special. This pen is one of those pens.

Parker Vacumatic Major, Golden Pearl, XF Semi-Flex, nib close-up

What makes it special? Yes, it's in amazing cosmetic condition and has been overhauled, serviced, and ready for your favorite ink. But what makes it truly awesome is the nib. The nib will be particularly appealing to those of you who like Japanese fine and extra-fine nibs. It lays down a confident, self-assured line of about 0.3 mm (on my paper) when writing with a light hand (0.6" with increased pressure). It's been tuned to perform flawlessly at the lightest pressure, grabbing onto the surface of the paper and not letting go until you command it otherwise. If you press harder, the nib is going to respond with a pleasant "give," opening up just enough to give you a hint of line variation, adding character to your handwriting. No, it's not flexible enough for Spencerian or Ornamental Penmanship broad swells, but it will be great for a business cursive, and virtually any modern "small" handwriting.

The nib makes it a fantastically versatile tool. If you fill it with a dry ink, you'll be able to use it as a dedicated office writer. If you ink it up with a wet, saturated ink, you're going to get that awesome juicy flow, which, combined with the line variation, is going to bring the best out of your inks, particularly shading, even sheen. It's a very fine point, yet it's very smooth and easy to use. Quite honestly, this nib is likely to outperform a lot of modern gold nibs, unless, of course, you prefer very firm nibs, such as those on a Platinum #3776.

This pen would be an ideal first "top-tier" vintage pen for a fountain pen enthusiast, and it would make a fantastic Christmas gift for a family member or close friend. If you intend this to be a present, please, let me know and I will include a nice gift box with the pen.

(On hold) This is a 1920s Parker Lucky Curve "ring top" button-filler fountain pen in black chased hard rubber (BCHR) with a 14k gold XXF full-flex nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand).

This is a superb example of the well-respected and highly collectible Parker Lucky Curve from the 1920s. It's in amazing condition, without any trace of wear or fading, which plagues the vast majority of BCHR pens from that era. The pen looks as good as new, and it would be a perfect specimen for the high-end collector. The imprint is strong.

The pen was designed specifically with Spencerian penmanship in mind. It's a classic "ring top," meant to be worn around one's neck, so it's a lightweight, compact pen when capped (4.5"). However, it converts to a full-size pen when posted (5.7"), as it is meant to be used that way. In terms of ergonomics, the pen resembles those of a well-designed dip pen holder, with a somewhat long, streamlined shape and great balance. It's extremely comfortable to hold, lightweight, and very pleasant to the touch. The button filling mechanism works flawlessly and holds a lot of ink.

The pen is a calligrapher's tool, a high-precision writing instrument, capable of producing beautiful penmanship. It was designed for a skilled hand, and will perform as well as any flexible pen of that era. I would rank it as a "full-flex," just shy of being a wet noodle, but it offers excellent flexibility, and fantastic snap-back. With light pressure, it writes an XXF line of about 0.3 mm (on my paper), and you can get the line even thinner if you use dry ink and dry paper. The nib excels at transitions between hairlines and swells, which is the cornerstone of Ornamental Penmanship. If you are new to flexible nibs, this pen is probably not for you, unless you're willing to learn its dynamics and try to write with a light hand. The best news is this pen had not been used much in the past, if at all, which means the nib is free from any (invisible) damage that many vintage flex nibs develop over time (due to using excessive pressure). The tipping material is ample and of perfect geometry.

(Sold) This is a 1945 Blue Diamond Parker "Striped" Duofold Vacumatic Senior in Dusty Red celluloid, with a 14k gold Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth. This was Parker's flagship pen at the time, a large instrument, measuring 5.4" capped and 0.49" in diameter.

Parker "Striped" Duofold Vacumatic Senior, Dusty Red, F, uncapped

The Duofold has been Parker's flagship model for decades. Parker collectors like to debate which variant has been the Janesville company's "best" or "most successful" design. I am far from joining the debate, as I'd have to side literally with everybody - I love them all. However, there's something truly special about the "Striped" Duofold from the 1940s.

Parker "Striped" Duofold Vacumatic Senior, Dusty Red, F, nib close-up

Whether it's the material, or the shape, or perhaps the filling mechanism, the pen is, in my opinion, one of the most successful designs of all time. Yes, I said it! I love its overall shape. It's classic, yes, but manages to be original, especially with the slightly angular shape of the blind cap. The material is breathtaking! I must admit, this Dusty Red is particularly gorgeous. It has immense, shimmering depth. It's as though you're looking into a tropical ocean, full of exotic sea life, reflecting sunlight in a multitude of colors as they move beneath the surface. Barrel transparency adds both character and dimension, while providing very useful functionality. The subtle, classy gold-filled trim is seamlessly integrated into the streamlined design, and is in perfect shape here. Quite honestly, this is as close to new-old-stock as I have seen the "Duovac" in a long time.

But the most exciting feature of this pen, to me, is its writing performance. The balance, posted or not, is perfect, at least for my hand. The section, slightly concave, very comfortable, and should accommodate a variety of grips. And the nib is among the best ever made. Utterly delightful.

It's a very interesting nib. It's firm but feels soft on paper. It's tuned to write at the lightest touch, but it will take a heavier hand in stride. If you ink it up with a dry ink, such as this R&K Scabiosa, you're going to have a phenomenal office writer, but one that manages to remain exciting, nimble, and capable of bringing out subtle shading in the ink. If you fill it with a more conventional ink, you'll have an effortless, gliding writer, hovering above the surface of the paper on a thin layer of ink, laying down the most enjoyable line ever. Line width, in my tests, varies between 0.4 mm and 0.5 mm, depending on ink, paper, and writing pressure. If you're expecting a lot of line variation, this nib is not for you. Its best property is its ability to dampen high-frequency vibrations resulting from dragging the point across the rough surface of the paper. A phenomenal writer!

(Sold) This is a Pelikan Souverän M800 Fountain pen in Red Stripe celluloid, with black accents, gold-plated trim, and an 18k gold, two-tone XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a gentle cleaning, an adjustment and lubrication of the piston mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth.

Pelikan Souverän M800, Red Stripe, XF, uncapped

Few modern pens can boast a heritage as rich as the Pelikan Souverän series. The M800, in the gleaming Red Stripe celluloid, is one of the best fountain pens made today. A superbly well-balanced pen, the M800 feels comfortable despite being somewhat large. It posts very well, too, so it should be comfortable even for people with large hands.

The pen writes a gorgeous XF line of about 0.4 mm (on my paper) that is wet, consistent, and utterly enjoyable. The 18k gold nib is huge, with ample tipping material, so it gives you a superbly cushioned ride. It writes without hesitation, without skipping. It should be a fantastic all-around daily writer, capable of completing both personal and professional tasks.

Cosmetically, it is in excellent condition, having seen very little use in the past. The material has excellent color depth and vibrancy. The gold-plated trim is in equally great shape. Quite honestly, the pen looks as good as new. If you plan to use this pen as a gift, please be sure to let me know and I will include a gift box with the pen.

(SOLD) This is a 1945 Blue Diamond Parker Vacumatic Major in Emerald Pearl celluloid, with a 14k gold XF nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand).

In 1945, the world lay in ruins. I grew up in a country ravaged by wars, suffering decades of unrest and poverty following the conclusion of WWII. It's difficult for me to imagine a parallel world in which the Parker Vacumatic could have been conceived, brought to market, and enjoyed by millions. The magnitude of Parker's success is staggering, though, today, with the pen industry being a mere shadow of what it once was, it might be hard to appreciate it.

The Janesville company ran a successful series of advertisements highlighting the new filling mechanism. Indeed, the Vacumatic mechanism was revolutionary at the time. It's easy to use, efficient, and holds a lot of ink. Moreover, the plunger is hidden by a cleverly designed blind cap, which does not disturb the graceful lines of the pen, as a lever mechanism unavoidably would.

Today, in the market dominated by C/C fillers, the Vacumatic seems like a pen from another era, an almost ancient piece of technology. It's only natural, particularly for new fountain pen enthusiasts to wonder if it works well, if it's durable, easy to use, and if it's superior to disposable ink cartridges. I can assure you that a well-restored Vacumatic filling mechanism functions perfectly and will give you years of dependable service. Just be careful not to let ink dry up inside your pen repeatedly, or the internal pieces may become inoperable.

The pen I'm offering today is a beautiful specimen of the Vacumatic Major. Made of the gleaming, shimmering Emerald Pearl celluloid, with superb gold-filled trim, and a large 14k gold nib, the pen looks virtually as good as new. If you saw it in a display case next to the latest Montegrappa or Visconti, you'd absolutely think it belonged alongside those expensive modern gems.

The pen comes vested with a fantastic XF nib that lays down a consistent, juicy line of about 0.3 mm (on my paper). The nib is firm, yet feels soft on paper. There's ample tipping material, of perfect geometry. Clearly, this pen did not see much use back in the 1940s, and must have spent the subsequent decades put away safely, in favorable conditions. The pen writes a line that never hesitates, never skips, never starves for ink. It is smooth without being overly polished. It writes excellent upstrokes, at the lightest touch. It would be a perfect nib with which to writes a business cursive or American Cursive Handwriting. It would probably not make a great office paper, as ink flow is a bit too wet for the poor-quality office paper, unless you use a dry ink, such as Diamine Registrar's Blue Black. You would be hard-pressed to find a modern nib of equal performance and enjoyable feel on paper. Even the best Japanese nibs aren't as efficient at absorbing vibrations resulting from dragging the point across the paper. A superb writer!

(On hold) This is a mid-1940s White Dot Sheaffer Triumph Valiant Tuckaway in striated Marine Green celluloid, with a wide gold-filled cap band, and a 14k gold, two-tone, Triumph Lifetime Fine nib. The pen has been restored, which included a complete disassembly, a gentle cleaning, an overhaul of the filling mechanism, ink flow adjustment, a nib tune-up, and a gentle polish with a soft cloth (by hand). The pen measures 4.48"capped, 5.15" posted, 0.4" section and 0.45" barrel diameter. The White Dot is located on the top of the cap.

Sheaffer designed the Tuckaway to be a "lady" pen, which was fairly common at the time. Today, however, pen companies use a very different narrative for such "pocket" pens, but the fact remains these pens are incredibly practical, and, hence, very popular. If you're a fan of the Kaweco Sport, a TWSBI Mini, or a Stipula Passaporto, you're going to love the Tuckaway.

To me, personally, the Triumph Tuckaway is the perfect pocket pen. Designed to be, equal parts, beautiful and sturdy, the pen excels at practicality and sheer performance. Capped, it will fit in your pants pocket, your purse, or backpack, but when posted, it converts into a full-size pen. In its posted configuration, the Tuckaway has fantastic ergonomics, measuring about 0.51" in total length, with a very comfortable section of about 0.4" in diameter, which makes it nearly identical in terms of proportions and "heft" to the Pelikan M800 unposted. If you write with your M800 with the cap off, the Tuckaway is going to feel very comfortable in your hand, and with the portability that those larger pens are often jealous of.

The pen's functionality and performance are first-rate. The vacuum filling mechanism is efficient, holds a lot of ink, and it's a lot of fun to use. The ink window lets you gauge the remaining ink level with ease. The section has a subtle texture, so a secure grip is always assured. The cap merges with the body seamlessly, with excellent balance in the hand. The large nib extends the section, giving you an incredibly versatile pen in terms of grip. Add to it the Triumph nib's large sweet spot and forgiving nature, and you have a superb writing instrument, able to accommodate a broad variety of grips, holding angles, rotation, and writing pressure. I am not sure I'd be able to find a modern pen that can boast such a combination of features and performance.

The pen is in beautiful condition. The shimmering, gleaming celluloid has awesome depth and vibrancy. The gold-filled trim is spotless, and the imprint is strong. It's a pen that should satisfy even the most discerning high-end collector, but it will give a dedicated writer lots of joy and performance to match. The nib writes a Fine line of about 0.4 mm (on my paper).